Blair Collection > Caraid nan Gàidheal

xlÌV BIOGRAPHICAL SEKTCH
My fatlier had now reaclied, in tho good provi-
dence of God, the fiftieth year of his laborious and
faitiiful niinistry. This event was celebrated by his
congregation by a great meeting held in the City
Hall, the last, 1 need hardly say, which he ever
attended. Such celebrations as this are always
affecting ; for there are few more soleran and touch-
ing sights than that of a good man, more especially
a faithful Christian minister, about to finish half
a century of a useful Hfe. When this, as in the
instance before us, can be done with the thorough
respect and hearty affection of those who have known
hini best, and in all the varied scenes of their own
life have come into closest contact with him, whether
as a teacher, a pastor, a friend, or as a near and dear
rehìtive, it is one of the most striking and solemn
evidences which earth can afford of the grand result
of a right improvement of God's munitìcent talents
for the good of our fellow-men and for his own
glory. Such a meeting as this was as the sailing
into port for the last time of an old ship ending
her many long and perilous voyages, after having
encountered and successfully overcome every storm ;
or the welcome given to a warrior on his return
from a perilous campaign, in which he has fought
and conquered with unflinching courage and chival-
rous constancy. It is also, in such a case as his,
like a farewell to time, with all its noble duties
and manifokl trials ; and a gentle transition into
eternity, with its blessed rewards from grace and
its perfect rest in God. This jubilee was in some
respects pecuHarly pleasing. No sun could set
with greater brightness than his. He was sur-
rounded by tliose whom he best loved on earth —
by his wife, the lcving, wise, faithful, and devoted